Top German Cyclist Pascal Ackermann Poised for Munich 2022 Road Race Return

German gold medal hope Pascal Ackermann is eyeing a return at European Championships Munich 2022, proclaiming: “I want the European Champion jersey."

In 2019, Ackermann raced to two stage wins in the Giro d'Italia for the Bora–Hansgrohe team, becoming the first German rider to win the points classification in the famous Italian Grand Tour. 

© Christian Kaspar-Bartke/Getty Images

After a promising five-year spell with Bora-Hansgrohe, this campaign Ackermann signed a two-year deal with UAE Team Emirates.

Ackermann hasn’t raced competitively since suffering a hairline fracture of the coccyx on the eve of the famous Paris-Roubaix race in April. However, Ackermann refused to be downbeat, telling Tour Magazine : “I think I'll be back sooner than most people think.”

And the 28-year-old has his sights firmly on a successful comeback in front of the adoring German fans at European Championships Munich 2022.

“For me personally, it's a huge goal,” Ackermann said.

“I think I'll be in such good shape by then that they (editor's note: the German selectors) won't be able to get past me. There are a few more sprinters in Germany, but if I'm not the strongest in Germany, I wouldn't be competing for the title anyway.

“I want to be really fit by the European Championships and the Vuelta. I must take the positives out of it and keep telling myself that my fall will be beneficial for the rest of the season.”

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For the Men’s Road Race on Sunday, 14 August, cycling enthusiasts will be treated to an extra dose of Bavarian charm, with the scenic lakes and mountains in Murnau a. Staffelsee providing a picturesque backdrop for the hotly anticipated race into Munich.

And Ackermann feels he has unfinished business on home soil.

“First of all, this is a home European Championship. I also have a bone to pick with the European Championships - I've already been third there twice (editor's note: 2019 in Alkmaar, 2020 in Plouay). I want this jersey,” he vowed.

Ackermann is looking forward to the race into the Bavarian capital and is confident he can use home advantage.

“I think the course is perfect for me - a few mountains at the start but then flatter towards the end,” he said.